Topic: 750 handling and suspension questions

[GroovieGhoulie]

The front wheel diameter was 19" and the rear wheel was 18".  The CR750 had an 18" front wheel.  How would this affect handling?  I figure it would shorten the already short trail and quicken the steering.  Is there any downside to doing this?  I am planning my 750 Cafe and am considering an 18" front rim.

Also, the motoring press commented that all the Hondas of the era suffered the "Far East Suspension Malady" which was overly stiff springs and too-soft dampers.  When guys upgrade the suspensions, they often go with progressive springs and new shocks.  I'm torn on progressive springs and wonder how the "stiff" factory springs would work on a Cafe or other performance bike if matched to a good set of dampers.  What's wrong with stiff springs on a performance machine as long as you have shocks that can keep up?

Part of my reasoning is that I like the chrome spring look and don't like the asymmetric appearance of progressive springs.  If there are a better set of linear springs than factory but they are not chrome, would chroming the springs affect them?

[Tim2005]

I converted my Seeley (which are based on the stock Honda geometry) from 19 to 18 and it was a great move, made it go into corners so much better.

Can't advise much about progressive rear springs, I find the Hagon shocks are great, tho I can't see that chroming them should make any noticeable difference to their performance.

[bwaller]

I laced up an WM3 18" front on my 550 cafe project. It does quicken the steering slightly.

As far as suspension goes, compliance is the word, too stiff and wheel hop becomes an issue when the road surface is rough, like in that apex of that next curve in the road!  (let alone the bone jarring ride that goes with it) If the springs are too stiff, what will great dampers do to help, whereas great dampers mated to a more compliant spring will keep the tire in contact with the road surface - constantly.  The best option I believe is to go with progressive wound fork springs, then the best quality rear shock you can swing, whether you prefer straight wind chrome springs for them is your perogative. I use Works Performance, but there are other options still available, there were a lot of Boge sets sold recently.